Page 55 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

“The mob doesn’t listen to reason. You know that.”

“Well, I’ll have to give him a reminder.”

“Good luck with that. I’ll let you know if they cause any trouble.”

“Okay. Anything else?”

Claude’s stoic expression slips, and I recognize the concern in his dark eyes. “Find her. She’s a good kid. She doesn’t deserve any of this.”

“I’ll do my best.” With a heavy sigh, I clap my hand on his shoulder.

Words are useless. We both miss her, but he’s always had a softer touch than me. Has a way with those who are broken and need a friend. Quinn and my brother formed a friendship of sorts, and her disappearance has him on edge. He’s not the only one.

The hinges on the door at the end of the hall creak. Claude and I take a few steps toward the sound, unsure of who it could be.

A tumble of auburn curls and curves appears in the doorway, gently easing the door closed behind her.

“Quinn?” Claude asks, his voice bursting with relief.

My heart seizes. “What the hell?”

She spins around, those wide green eyes rimmed red, highlighted with dark circles.

But damn it if she isn’t the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.

Claude and I rush toward her. Before either of us reaches her, she holds her hands up.

“It’s okay. I’m fine. See?” She spins around. “Nothing to worry about.”

Claude stops, allowing me to reach for her. I take her chin in my hand and inspect her face. Aside from exhaustion, she looks fine, no fresh cuts or bruises.

“Where the hell were you?” I drop my hands, unable to bear the temptation of her soft skin beneath my fingertips.

“I went out.” She shrugs like that explains it.

“You went...out?” I deadpan. “You just decided to take a walk and not tell anyone where you went or when you’d be back?”

“Yeah.” She blinks up at me with a defiance unmatched by anyone in the city. “It’s still a free country.”

Whatever remains of my patience completely evaporates. Ignoring my brother, I grab Quinn by the arm and drag her up the stairs to my apartment.

“Glad you’re safe!” Claude’s voice drifts up behind us.

By the time we reach my floor, my blood is pulsing hot in my veins. I jerk the door open and shove her inside. She whips around, glaring at me, a wildcat with claws drawn.

“What the hell was that about?” She wears her displeasure like a crown.

“You’re not leaving this apartment again until you tell me where the hell you disappeared to.”

She sniffs. “I told you. I went out.”

“Stop fucking lying to me, Quinn.” I close the gap between us, and she pulls back, holding her ground, searching me with uncertainty in her eyes. “Why would you walk out when you knew I would be right back to finish what we started?”

Heat burns through me at the memory of her sweet release on my tongue. I want her more now than I did before.

But I’m furious. I won’t give that lust any attention until she comes clean with me. I’m sick of the lies and the subterfuge.

She either tells me the truth or it’s over.

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